01
aufwarten mit
to present with
To offer, serve, or present something special.
example
Das Restaurant konnte mit einer exzellenten Weinkarte aufwarten.
The restaurant was able to present guests with an excellent wine list.
aufwarten
to present / serve
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufwarten' is a separable verb; the prefix 'auf-' goes at the end in a main clause. Although it contains 'warten' (to wait), it has nothing to do with 'warten' (to wait), but means 'anbieten' (to offer) or 'präsentieren' (to present).
EXAMPLE
Der Gastgeber wartete mit einem besonderen Dessert auf.
The host presented a special dessert.
Fixed preposition
In its modern meaning, 'aufwarten' is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' and the dative. The structure is: Jemand wartet mit etwas (Dativ) auf.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum wartet mit einer neuen Sonderausstellung auf.
The museum is presenting a new special exhibition.
Register
The meaning 'jemandem bei Tisch bedienen' (to serve someone at table) or 'einen Besuch abstatten' (to pay a visit) is outdated. Today, you will find it almost only in historical novels or films.
EXAMPLE
In dem Roman musste der junge Diener dem König aufwarten.
In the novel, the young servant had to wait on the king.
Compare with
aufwarten vs anbieten
to offer
'anbieten' and 'aufwarten' can both mean that someone gives or presents something to others. 'anbieten' is neutral and very common: you can offer help, food, goods, or a service. 'aufwarten mit' is used more when something special or surprising is presented. It often sounds somewhat more elevated or lively. Learners may confuse the words because both fit with offers. As a practical rule: for normal offers, use 'anbieten'. For something special, say 'mit etwas aufwarten'.
aufwarten
Zum Geburtstag wartete Anna mit einer selbst gebackenen Torte auf.
For her birthday, Anna presented everyone with a homemade cake.
anbieten
Im Zug bot mir eine Frau ihren freien Platz an.
On the train, a woman offered me her empty seat.
In real life
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